Cairns is considered the “Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef” and honestly, I wasn’t expecting much from this city. After all, I only included Cairns on my 2-week Australian trip so I could snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef. I figured most tourists use Cairns as a home base for other adventurous day trips So, I anticipated a Gatlinburg or Niagara Falls situation- a slightly run-down city filled with overpriced go-karts, amusement rides, and carnival food. But I was pleasantly surprised by Cairns. Sure, there were some overpriced souvenir shops. And many tourists do use Cairns as a home base before visiting the Great Barrier Reef or the Daintree Rainforest.…